If you’re looking for the best family day trips from Canberra, you’re in luck! The region offers a wide variety of destinations that cater to all ages and interests, from scenic nature spots to charming historic towns.
Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, coastal escapes, or exploring quaint villages, there is something within easy reach of Canberra to make a memorable day out. Many are so close, you can spend a morning or afternoon exploring without a long drive.
Explore the Southern Highlands' historic villages
There is something distinctly ‘old England’ about the Southern Highlands, where pretty NSW country towns modelled after quaint English villages are set amid green landscapes. Drive out of Canberra for a round trip, visiting the quaint small towns filled with quirky antiques and historic buildings.
The Southern Highlands’ towns—Bowral, Mittagong, and Moss Vale—offer a distinct culinary experience. Beyond visiting wineries, you can explore local eateries like Gumnut Patisserie in Bowral for fresh pastries and coffee. Wineries here focus on boutique production with cellar doors featuring cool-climate varieties.
Stop in at Bungendore known for its historic charm, antique shops and a thriving arts-and-crafts culture. The village has heritage-listed buildings, including old stone cottages and the iconic Bungendore Railway Station. You can visit local galleries and studios where artisans produce pottery, glasswork, and textiles. The village also has cafes perfect for a break, giving you a taste of local produce in a relaxed setting.
Continue north to Mittagong in the heart of the Southern Highlands and check out the town’s famous antiques and art and craft stores. Drive the short distance to Bowral, the largest town in the Southern Highlands, at the foot of Mount Gibraltar.
Stretch your legs in Moss Vale with a walk around Leighton Gardens and Australia’s oldest jail. Stop by the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie, before cricket buffs visit The Bradman Museum.
Go to spot platypuses on the river in Boorowa, a small historic town best known for its Shamrock Heritage Trails, which celebrates the strong Irish influence on the community. This walking trail highlights many heritage buildings, monuments, and sites that tell the story of early settlers and their impact on the region. The town often hosts events that reflect its cultural history.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors in the Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains are a year-round paradise for enjoying the outdoors.You’ll find a range of outdoor adventures in the Snowy Mountains that suit families seeking fitness, hiking, and mountain biking. From alpine villages with easy access to activities, to natural wonders like thermal pools and caves, these destinations offer engaging experiences in Australia’s highest alpine region.
Take a road trip from Canberra to one of the region’s towns, like Jindabyne, Thredbo, Tumut and Perisher.
Jindabyne is a popular base for families heading to the Snowy Mountains. It offers lakefront activities like fishing, kayaking, and gentle bike rides, making it a versatile choice for outdoor lovers.
Cooma, known as the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, has historical sites and is close to hiking tracks suitable for all fitness levels. Both towns provide necessary amenities and easy access to surrounding natural attractions, perfect for planning a day trip or longer stay in the alpine region.
In summer, Thredbo offers scenic bushwalks with graded trails for all ages and skill levels, plus mountain biking on well-maintained tracks.
Tumut, a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra, is the perfect mountain escape where visitors can explore the mountainous terrain as they bike, hike, fish and golf. Don’t miss a stop at Tumut River Brewing Co for a range of local craft beers and pub-style meals (booking essentials or take-away is available).
Kosciuszko National Park is Australia’s alpine heart, home to native plants and wildlife as well as the country’s highest peak. You can explore walking trails that vary in length and difficulty, offering opportunities for fitness and nature observation.
Yarrangobilly Caves, within the park, feature accessible cave tours and warm thermal pools ideal for a family swim after hiking. The thermal pools are naturally heated and safe for children, providing a unique way to relax in a remote setting.
Yass Valley
Yass Valley is steeped in colonial history and offers a variety of cultural experiences suitable for families. The area is rich in heritage sites including old homesteads, churches, and museums showcasing early settler life. You can tour these places to gain a genuine understanding of Australia’s rural development.
The valley has accessible scenic trails perfect for family walks or bike rides. Visitors can see Aboriginal heritage markers and learn about the indigenous peoples who lived here. With local markets and festivals to attend, Yass Valley provides both outdoor engagement and cultural activity centred on community.
Southern Tablelands
Braidwood is a well-preserved gold rush town located halfway between Canberra and the NSW South Coast. In fact, it’s so rich in heritage cred, it was the first National Trust-classified town to be listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Its streets are lined with historic stone buildings dating back to the 19th century. You can explore Braidwood Museum and the local goldfields that detail the town’s colonial and Aboriginal history, helping to connect your family with the region’s cultural roots.
The Braidwood district is known for its small specialty shops selling local art and handcrafted goods. Outdoor lovers can venture onto the trails in nearby Deua National Park.
Sapphire Coast
Batemans Bay is just a 2.5- to 3-hour drive from Canberra, making it an ideal coastal day trip for families. The town sits on the Clyde River and Sapphire Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and calm waters perfect for swimming and fishing.
You can explore safe shorelines or take a gentle bike ride along the river paths. Families often enjoy spotting native wildlife, including seabirds and playful dolphins. Plus, local eateries serve fresh seafood, giving you a chance to try oysters or fish caught nearby.
The area also features several ocean pools, providing secure swimming spots for kids while offering stunning sea views.
Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park lies about 40 minutes southwest of Canberra. Taking up about 46 percent of the ACT’s land area, it spans rugged mountains, open grasslands, and eucalypt forests—perfect for hiking trips and wildlife-spotting with the kids. You can explore numerous marked trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species. The park also preserves Indigenous rock art sites that provide a glimpse into the cultural history of the region. Facilities include picnic areas and the visitor centre, which offers maps and educational displays about the local environment.
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay, about three hours from Canberra, is renowned for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Huskisson, on the bay’s edge, is a hub for family activities and outdoor adventure.
You can kayak or paddleboard along calm waterways, perfect for beginners or families with children. Seals, dolphins, and various bird species are common sights here, adding a wildlife element to the day.
Huskisson offers beachside parks, picnic spots, and bike trails. It’s a good base for relaxing while still being close to the natural attractions of Jervis Bay Marine Park and Booderee National Park. Camping near the coast is also a popular choice if you want to extend your trip. You’ll find designated campgrounds near Jervis Bay that cater to families with amenities like barbecue areas and playgrounds.
Opening image: Family out on a nature walk with Valley Outdoors in the Kangaroo Valley. © Grainger Films
